Omaha Hi/Low: Fundamental Overview
Omaha Hi-Lo (also known as Omaha 8 or better) is often times seen as one of the most complex but popular poker variations. It is a variation that, even more than regular Omaha poker, aims for action from every level of players. This is the primary reason why a once invisible game, has increased in acceptance so rapidly.
Omaha 8 or better begins exactly like a regular game of Omaha. Four cards are given out to each player. A sequence of betting ensues in which gamblers can wager, check, or drop out. Three cards are given out, this is known as the flop. A further sequence of betting ensues. After all the players have either called or folded, another card is revealed on the turn. Another sequence of betting follows and then the river card is revealed. The gamblers will need to make the best high and low five card hands using the board and hole cards.
This is where a number of entrants get confused. Unlike Texas Hold ‘Em, in which the board can make up everyone’s hand, in Omaha Hi-Lo the player must use exactly 3 cards on the board, and exactly two hole cards. No more, no less. Unlike regular Omaha, there are 2 ways a pot can be won: the "higher hand" or the "low hand."
A high hand is just what it sounds like. It’s the best possible hand out of every player’s, it doesn’t matter if it is a straight, flush, full house. It’s the same approach in nearly all poker games.
A lower hand is more difficult, but really opens up the play. When deciding on a low hand, straights and flushes do not count. the lowest hand is the weakest hand that can be put together, with the lowest being A-2-3-4-5. Seeing as straights and flushes do not count, A-2-3-4-5 is the worst possible hand. The lower hand is any five card hand (unpaired) with an eight and lower. The lower hand wins half of the pot, as does the higher hand. When there is no lower hand presented, the high hand wins the complete pot.
While it seems complicated at the start, following a couple of hands you will be agile enough to pick up on the fundamental subtleties of the game with ease. Since you have people betting for the low and wagering for the high, and seeing as so many cards are in play, Omaha High-Low provides an overwhelming range of betting choices and because you have several individuals battling for the high, along with many trying for the low. If you enjoy a game with all kinds of outs and actions, it is worth your time to participate in Omaha 8 or better.
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